SIUC attractions continue at Du Quoin Fair

Southern Illinois University Carbondale's tent at the Du Quoin State Fair continues to be full of displays, exhibits, demonstrations, hands-on activities and giveaways. The fair continues through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5.

Wednesday, Aug. 31

The tent takes on a decidedly international flavor, with native costumes from different countries on display, international music and international flags also on display. Visitors can learn about the popular study abroad program, and a representative of the foreign languages department will show you innovative ways to learn languages on a computer.

Thursday, Sept. 1

Earth Day in the tent will provide visitors another chance to get their hands dirty with dirt and earthworms as part of a demonstration of recycling and composting. In addition, the geology department will display some of its fossil collection and offer tips for fossil hunting. Representatives of the College of Applied Sciences and Arts will be on hand with literature about the college's many programs, and giveaways. Fisheries research will be at the tent with an aquarium, and representatives from the Coal Research Center will be showcasing their program.

Friday, Sept. 2

Future Salukis Day features a variety of activities geared toward the younger set. SIUC's public broadcasting station, WSIU-TV, will have a large wooden Big Bird cutout that kids can have fun dressing. In a combined viewing/reading area, youngsters can watch some of their favorite programs, read books, color or enjoy activity sheets featuring their favorite PBS characters. There will be a drawing every half hour for various PBS-themed items for children and adults, including books, CDs, DVD/VHS tapes of PBS programs, and more. And there will be loads of giveaways, including stickers, tattoos, bookmarks, balloons and information about WSIU's programs and services.

The College of Education and Human Services will showcase its programs with an interactive display, highlighted by a children's reading corner and hula hoop and bubble gum blowing contests.

Ron Dunkel and other representatives of the Craft Shop also will be in the tent with a large concrete Saluki statue just waiting for kids and adults to decorate with beads, glass and other materials the Craft Shop will provide.

Also, representatives of Disability Support Services will join forces with the Disabled Student Recreation Program to demonstrate equipment and activities, and several personal trainers from the Recreation Center will be available to discuss services they provide for disabled students.

Saturday, Sept. 3

Representatives of the School of Information Systems and Applied Technologies will offer a glimpse into the future with their programmable and remote control robots in action in the tent. They also will shoot Saluki T-shirts into the crowd via Dawgzooka, a crowd favorite at Saluki basketball games. From 3 to 7 p.m., student members of the Middle Eastern Dance Enthusiasts Club will perform.

Sunday, Sept. 4

Faculty, staff and students from the College of Engineering will showcase their Formula 1 racecar, moon buggy and hovercraft.

Monday, Sept. 5

Transportation Day in the tent features flight simulators for the kids to test out, displays of model cars and engines, and the rebuilt 1966 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, representatives of the Boeing Co. will be on hand with exhibits and information.